'We expect him to deliver': Dugan tipped to bounce back

ST George Illawarra players are backing Josh Dugan to get "back on the bus" with a big performance against the Bulldogs on Sunday.

Dugan was dumped from the team for the crucial game with Penrith last week after missing the team bus, but the Blues star looks to be a certain starter this week in the Dragons' must-win clash.

The Test centre had already taken plenty of criticism over his behaviour during the State of Origin series but long-time teammate Joel Thompson said Dugan was hurting after the bus incident and out to make amends against the Bulldogs.

"He put his hand up and he knew he made an error," Thompson said on Thursday.

"No one's perfect and I've been with Duges since (under-)20s and he normally bounces back pretty good from this type of stuff.

"We expect him to deliver, have a big game come Sunday."

Thompson, who played with Dugan throughout his five seasons at Canberra and for the past five years in Wollongong, said the rep star regretted his ill-discipline.

"He's an emotional guy and it hurts him when he does stuff up like that," he said.